Weather this year has not been kind on farmers, with drought, floods and dust storms all thrown their way.
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But, one Dubbo family has also had to contend with lightning strikes.
Two of the Tourle's Merino ewes were killed when one had the misfortune of being struck by lightning in the middle of an open paddock a few weeks ago.
Sam Tourle said he was moving the ewes and their lambs into the yards for weaning when he discovered the two dead ewes.
"One had been hit by lightning and the other one, which was standing around six metres away, was killed as well," Mr Tourle said.
"It took a little while for it to click when I found them, I wasn't expecting to have a sheep hit by lightning.
"But when we went back and had a look we saw a big mark down the ewe's back and you could smell she was obviously burnt."
Mr Tourle said he had only been a paddock away from the ewes during the storm, which happened two days before he found the ewes.
"I didn't think the lightning was too intense but obviously it was," he said.
"I've heard of lightning hitting trees and the sheep under the tree being killed but I not an animal being struck in the open.
"I don't think we'll ever see it again."
